Pregnant mothers in amphetamines and marijuana

Amphetamines Its use is increasing incidence because it is easily and cheaply manufactured. Ice, a type of methamphetamine that is smoked has the potential for causing high concentrations of drug in the maternal circulation. Newborns whose mother used the drug show signs of jitteriness and poor feeding in birth. Marijuana and hashish both marijuana and hashish are obtained from the hemp pants, cannabis. When smoked, they produce tachycardia in a sense of well-being. These drugs are frequently part of polydrug abuse, and thus singular effects are not well documented. They are associated with loss of short term memory and increased respiratory infection in adults. A frequent user may not able to breastfeed because of reduced milk production and the risk to the newborn from excretion of the drug in the milk.

Effects of drug use on the child

As a general principle, exposure to substances in the first trimester of pregnancy affects foetal organogenesis, whereas use in the second and third trimesters mainly results in growth and functional abnormalities or impairments in the newborn. Persistent drug use close to term can result in preterm labour, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and neonatal abstinence syndromes.

Characteristics of neonatal abstinence syndrome

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Gastrointestinal disturbances Irritability Hyperactivity Feeding and sleeping disturbances Autonomic hyperactivity Seizures (these are rare, ocurring in less than 5%)

Foetal and neonatal difficulties associated with maternal cocaine use

Foetal difficulties associated with use during pregnancy
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Placental abruption Intrauterine growth retardation Spontaneous abortion Pre-eclampsia Pulmonary oedema Seizures Cardiac arrhythmias Congenital physical anomalies affecting mostly the ocular and urogenital systems

Neonatal difficulties associated with heavy use near term

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Neonatal intoxication, with symptoms including: Irritability hypertonia sleep and appetite disturbances

Supportive measures for a neonate with a neonatal abstinence syndrome

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Keep the baby in a quiet, dimly lit room Ensure close, gentle interaction with the mother Provide small, frequent feeds Ensure close monitoring by nursing and medical staff

Potential difficulties faced by the children of drug users

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Physical and emotional abuse or neglect Inadequate parenting or supervision Separation Poverty Poor education Exposure to criminal behaviour Social isolation